Our Brain Needs a Workout Too!

Researchers have discovered it is just as important for aging adults to stay mentally active as it is to stay physically active.  Our bodies do not only lose muscle over time but our brains can also atrophy.  The website, Everyday Health explains it as, “More specifically, your brain's cognitive reserve — its ability to withstand neurological damage due to aging and other factors without showing visible signs of slowing or memory loss — diminishes through the years.”

After extensive studies, scientists now believe that regular, targeted brain exercises can increase your brain's cognitive reserve.  Some of the best brain boosters include learning or engaging in creative activities such as playing an instrument, art, or dance.  One study involved monitoring the brain activity of 1,000 musicians during rest as well as while they were playing their instruments.  The musicians’ brains “lit up in all areas, and synapses fired at rates hundreds of times more than when resting” while playing their instruments.  Also the heightened brain activity continued for up to 12 hours after they stopped playing.

In addition mind games, puzzles and memory games are fun way to help seniors keep their brains exercised. Memory games, scrabble and crosswords help improve recall and board games typically require counting, strategy and decision-making.  

For those comfortable using a computer, there are many games specifically designed to improve memory.  At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we have a desktop computer available in our Reading Room as well as offer the revolutionary “It’s Never 2 Late” technology. This state-of-the-art engagement system combines touchscreen computers with intuitive, picture-based software and has a library of over 3,000 choices of things to do and explore.

Another good brain exercise is learning a new language.  Reading also can open doors to places that seniors may be unable to travel to and can heighten imagination and introduce new ideas. 

Please visit MorningStar at RidgeGate’s website to learn more about our senior living community as well as our wellness programs and activities.  Our community has a total of 224 suites of which 124 are independent living, 71 assisted living, 29 secure suites in our Reflections Neighborhood dedicated to caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. 

MorningStar at RidgeGate provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Lone Tree and convenient to Highlands Ranch. 

Source: everydayhealth.com/longevity/mental-fitness/brain-exercises-for-memory.aspx

mindhow.com/best-brain-stimulating-activities-for-seniors/

A Healthy Lifestyle Has Benefits at Any Age

Since Americans are living longer, it is more important than ever to take care of yourself to ensure your later years are good ones.  The National Institute of Health (NIH) explains there are real benefits to a healthy lifestyle and adds that it is never too late to begin.  Another recently published study by Sian Robinson, a professor of nutritional epidemiology at the University of Southampton, also emphatically states that, "Improving the quality of your diet can have a beneficial effect on health, whatever your age."

Experts advise that one of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy is to eat a balanced diet and to keep their minds and bodies active.  Other healthy habits include not smoking, getting regular checkups and learning how to prevent falls. 

At the FamilyDoctor.org website, they remind seniors that even small changes such as daily physical activity can make a difference.  Moreover as you increase your physical activity, it will help to strengthen your bones and muscles, which in turn can help prevent falls.  If you do fall, stronger bones are less susceptible to breaking. 

Participating in routine physical activity also helps your brain and studies indicate that people who regularly exercise make better decisions.  In fact exercise is so important to our health that experts say the benefits outweigh the risk of an exercise-related injury.  Even chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease may improve with exercise.   The NIH does suggests that seniors new to exercising start slowly; and before you begin any new exercise, consult your health care provider.   

Another easy-to-do tip from Family Doctor is to eat food high in fiber.  Not only does it help your colon work better but it may help to reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer.  Some research suggests it may help to lower your cholesterol levels.   Whatever healthy changes you decide to incorporate into your everyday life should help you feel better and can be done over a period of time.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

Sources:

nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthyaging.html

medlineplus.gov/news/fullstory_169515.html

familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/seniors/staying-healthy/good-health-habits-at-age-60-and-beyond.html

Our Beautiful Senior Living Communities are Seeking Housekeepers

If you are the type of person who enjoys seniors and takes pride in doing an excellent job, we invite you to apply for one of our housekeeping jobs in Denver and the surrounding area. MorningStar Senior Living’s Denver communities are not only beautifully designed but have earned a reputation for offering the area’s highest standard of senior living.

As a MorningStar housekeeper, you will join a team of dedicated professionals who feel privileged to serve seniors and willingly go the extra mile to help a resident or another team member.  Indeed, we are incredibly blessed to have a staff with a felt calling to serve and who share our core values of love, kindness, honesty, fairness and respect. 

While keeping our gorgeously-appointed surroundings spotless, you will also have the opportunity to get to know our residents better while you are cleaning their homes.  Your responsibilities will include performing assigned tasks in accordance with established housekeeping procedures and keeping your work area maintained in a clean, safe, comfortable and attractive manner.  In addition, you will be charged with maintaining the confidentiality of resident-care information and respecting residents’ personal property. 

While we prefer experience, most importantly we are seeking individuals who want to be a part of our MorningStar family and to work as a team work toward our success.  At MorningStar Senior Living, we are proud to create a work environment where life is enriched, stories are shared and lives are cherished.  Please visit our website for more information regarding rewarding housekeeping jobs as well as other openings in our loving Denver area communities.

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  For a rewarding career, please visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for details regarding housekeeping jobs in Denver.

Rewarding Caregiver Careers

Looking for a career that offers personal and professional fulfillment and growth?  Would you like to help make people’s lives better?  If you are the kind of person who sees seniors as heroes and you would like the opportunity to serve, please consider a career with MorningStar Senior Living.  Right now our Denver area communities are seeking the right individuals to fill a variety of assisted living jobs.

We are proud of the fact that our communities have earned a reputation for providing seniors with the finest independent living, assisted living and memory care in the area.  As each community is designed to meet our residents’ every need and ensure their utmost comfort and wellbeing, we know this is only accomplished with the help of our dedicated and compassionate team members who are the very heart of our communities.   

MorningStar is a culturally diverse workplace; and while we are founded on Judeo-Christian values, we welcome all faiths among our team members and residents.  As we recognize that without our extraordinary team, MorningStar’s mission would not be possible, we make a point to readily accommodate flexible work hours and schedules as well as offer competitive wages and benefits.

Our proprietary Radiance Service Excellence initiative guides the way we dispense our service, and as a new member of our team, you will receive training in the program.   The framework of Radiance sets the standard for how we deliver care – with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose, and our service program is reiterated and strengthened during our daily Huddle.  

If you feel it is a privilege to serve others, we encourage you to connect with us about rewarding assisted living jobs in Denver, CO and the surrounding area.  Please visit our website to learn more about our various career opportunities. 

At MorningStar Senior Living, our unique mission statement: “to honor, to serve, to invest,” sets us apart from other senior living communities.  We are committed to a foundation built upon honoring God and valuing all seniors, and are currently recruiting staff with a felt calling to serve seniors.  If you wish to thrive personally and professionally, please visit MorningStar’s Join Our Team page for more information on rewarding assisted living jobs in Denver.

MorningStar at Jordan Named the 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living

We are proud to say that it is not only us who feels MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care at Jordan is a top senior living community in the Denver area.  Our community was thrilled to be recently named by Senior Advisor.com as the 2018 “Best Of” Assisted Living.  This exclusive designation is awarded to the top 1% of senior living providers in the US and Canada and is based on consistently high ratings and positive reviews from residents, families and visitors to the SeniorAdvisor.com website.  As a division of A Place for Mom, SeniorAdvisor.com is one of the nation’s most widely respected senior living referral and review websites.

Our entire team encourages you to arrange a visit to see for yourself what the “best” senior living community looks and feels like and how it differs from our competitors.  MorningStar at Jordan proudly offers 55 graciously-appointed assisted living suites that include spacious studios, one, and two-bedroom floor plans on three levels. We also provide 29 secure suites devoted to caring for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

Our community’s amenities and services include a range of wellness programs and activities and three tasty, daily meals prepared by our Executive Chef.  Our community also offers an onsite theatre, library, salon, fitness center, spa bath, and tropical aquarium as well as a fireside patio and all-season porches.  MorningStar at Jordan provides 24/7 care, a licensed nurse, and an outstanding staff that feels privileged to serve seniors. 

Please contact us to set up a tour of our beautiful assisted living and memory care community.

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Jordan represents the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” We provide a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting by creating a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve. Please contact us to set up a tour to see firsthand the finest assisted living in Centennial CO.

A Tour Allows You to Really Get to Know Us

Our gallery pictures do a very good job of showing off MorningStar at RidgeGate’s gorgeous senior living community, but to really get an ideal of what we are all about, we encourage you to schedule a tour.  Located on our home page is a link to “Schedule a Tour” that takes just a few minutes to fill out.  If you plan to tour a couple of senior living communities, you may want to read a few articles on the Internet regarding things to look for on your tour.  

An onsite tour is important for many reasons and gives you the chance to experience it with your own eyes, ears, and instincts.  Remember this may be the place where you or your loved decide to make their new home.  A tour also allows you to evaluate the community for cleanliness and to get an idea of the daily routine of the residents.  Additionally you will get to meet the staff and talk to residents.

Some of the questions you will want to ask include information regarding staff members’ credentials and have they gone through background checks or received any special training.   Does the staff seem friendly and do residents appear to be well cared for and happy?  If you can, eat a meal at the community as it gives you an idea of the quality of food as well as time to visit with staff and residents. 

At MorningStar at RidgeGate, we recommend that you plan on spending at least 45 minutes with us during your tour.  You are welcome to join us for lunch (please let us know when you set up the tour) and if you do, please allow approximately 90 minutes so you can enjoy your meal.  We will tailor your visit to your priorities and let us know if you have any special concerns.  Once you complete our online form, we will get back to you ASAP to set up a convenient time to come and visit our beautiful community.  

MorningStar at RidgeGate provides the very best in senior living with our unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.”  With a foundation built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve, we create a true home for residents amidst a peaceful setting.  Please contact us to set up a tour of the area’s finest senior living in Lone Tree and convenient to Highlands Ranch.  

Boulder’s Dedicated and Compassionate Leadership Team

At MorningStar of Boulder, we are committed to providing residents with the very best care and creating a community that feels like a true “home.”   As you know, an organization’s standard of excellence typically starts at the top, and at MorningStar of Boulder this is certainly true with our exceptional leadership team. 

Brianna Westlake has been the Executive Director of Boulder for over a year now and brings to our community her passion for serving seniors.  She says seniors teach her humility, kindness and above all, an appreciation for the seasons of life, and feels incredibly lucky to have an opportunity to make a difference in their lives.  With over ten years of experience in customer service, human services, and nonprofit administration & marketing, MorningStar of Boulder feels lucky to have her. 

Another part of the membership team is Brittany Rochlitz, who serves as our Wellness Director.  Brittany’s enthusiasm for working with seniors began with her relationship with her grandmother who had been hospitalized as a child with polio and isolated for over a year from her family.  The grandmother’s stories to Brittany included how the nursing staff made her feel like family and treated her with respect and dignity. These stories helped motivate Brittany to pursue a career in nursing as she too wanted an opportunity to have a positive impact on people’s lives.  

Shelly Stewart-Girton serves as Boulder’s Director of Community Relations and early-on in her life enjoyed spending time with her grandmother and listening to her stories about their family history.  By the time Shelly finished nursing school, she knew she wanted to have a career that included serving seniors.  As she eloquently says “so the wonderful and wise storytelling can continue to bless my life.”

While the three extraordinary women comprise our leadership, MorningStar of Boulder also has a loving team of caregivers that also feel privileged to serve.  We invite you to visit our website for more information regarding our community.  We offer 48 private assisted living suites as well as 46 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood devoted to the individualized care of those with memory impairment. 

MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Boulder represents the best in senior living with a distinct mission statement - “to honor, to value, to invest.”  Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve.  We are dedicated to providing a true home for residents amidst a beautiful, serene setting and invite you to schedule a visit to experience one of the area’s finest senior living communities.